Around the world, roads are being widened, but in Jamia Nagar, the Hari Kothi Road is being narrowed. This development has left residents deeply upset, as they anticipate the road’s narrowing will lead to traffic snarls and other problems.
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The controversy centers around the Hari Kothi Road in Abul Fazal Enclave, with the UP Irrigation Department asserting that the road belongs to them. The department claims ownership of the land following the construction of new staff buildings on what was previously barren land a few months ago. Residents, however, fear that if the road is taken over by the department, even the open nallah might be claimed as part of their territory, as many roads and pockets in Jamia Nagar already belong to the UP Irrigation Department. It is important to point out that the outer Abul Fazal Enclave road and open nallah are property of irrigation department.
Political fallout over garbage mountain at Milli Model School
A resident recalls a prominent feature of the area — the open trash bin in front of Milli Model School, which became the subject of much political debate. For years, this spot became a political hotspot, with leaders and activists using the location to gain publicity, often posing for photos to raise their credibility with the public. One aspiring politician even staged a hunger strike atop the trash pile in hopes of securing a political ticket.
However, when the ticket was not granted, he disappeared from the scene. During the recently held MCD election, this trash spot became a key issue, with Congress leader Ariba Khan winning the election by defeating her rival, AAP leader Wajid Khan, the sitting Councillor.
Credit for removing garbage: A political tug-of-war
After Ariba Khan’s victory, the trash was removed from the site after a few months. Following which she posted a video claiming credit for the cleanup. However, another Congress leader, Arfa Khanam, criticised her, stating that it was the Irrigation Department that had actually removed the trash to clean the area for the main gate of their new campus.
Construction of a boundary wall and road narrowing
The current controversy revolves around the UP Irrigation Department constructing a boundary wall at the same spot, which will narrow the road. Residents are unclear about how far the wall will extend, but the work has been ongoing, with the road being dug up during the night. Despite concerns from residents, the project continues, with heavy security present. It is understood that within days the boundary will come up.
The residents have expressed frustration, feeling that there is little they can do, but believe that discussions and cooperation might offer a solution. Okhla MLA Amanatullah Khan, in an interaction with officials, questioned why the road was being narrowed when it had been wide for years, especially when the new campus had ample space within. However, his pleas fell on deaf ears, and the work continued.
The absence of local leaders and activists
When news of the issue spread on Thursday, some residents gathered at the site. Local leaders, including Amanatullah, Arfa Khanam, and AFE RWA president Asif, were present. However, many other leaders and activists, typically seen around local issues in Okhla, were conspicuously absent. One resident remarked that even those associated with Al Shifa and its NGOs did not come forward to peacefully discuss the matter with officials.
Accusations of collusion among local leaders
The issue of the boundary wall had previously been raised a few months ago, with Congress leader Asif Mohammad Khan and his daughter, Councillor Ariba Khan, intervening to halt the work. However, both were absent on Thursday, and Arfa Khanam accused them of colluding in the matter. She suggested that the ongoing developments were a result of this collusion.
Opposition criticises Amanatullah amid election fever
As election fever grips Okhla, the opposition has launched a scathing attack on Amanatullah Khan, accusing him of failing to stop the construction of the boundary wall. They claim that under his leadership, the area has suffered over the past ten years, labeling him a weak MLA. However, supporters of Amanatullah Khan have defended him, stating that he has done everything within his power to address the issue.
Congress leader Arfa Khanam also criticised the MLA, asserting that if she were in his position, she would have used her authority to halt the boundary wall construction. In her interactions with YouTuber journalists, she emphasised that the MLA is helpless and pointed out his inability to take any meaningful action.
Lack of follow-through on local issues
Local residents believe that had they, along with leaders, NGOs and activists, held discussions with the UP officials and followed through with proper paperwork, this issue could have been resolved. Unfortunately, many argue that despite grand statements, local leaders, NGOs, and activists fail to take concrete action, contributing to the poor state of the area.
Mixed reactions
The development has sparked mixed reactions. One netizen pointed out that the section of the road, which is owned by the irrigation department, was never used as a road but rather as a parking area. This change, they argued, would only create problems for residents who are accustomed to parking their vehicles illegally in that space. However, others believe that since the road has been in use for years, extending the boundary would only narrow the road and exacerbate traffic congestion. A lawyer has stated that he may take the matter to court.
